Consumer debt is an extremely contradictory part of our personal finances. It’s both common and incredibly personal all at the same time. According to numerous sources, the majority of US adults owe money in some way, shape, or form. And yet, what this "consumer debt" represents can vary drastically from person to person. To some, a debt might signify a major accomplishment or progress toward a large goal. To others, it might be a constant reminder of a time of crisis or hardship. The decisions that lead us to consumer debt can be thoughtful and deliberate, or rushed and misguided. Maybe it's these differences that make it challenging to talk openly about debt, for fear of judgment.
No matter how unique your debt situation is, there are some universal truths to borrowing money: It’s expensive and it ‘steals’ money from your other life goals. Therefore, its repayment should be a top priority.
Whether you’re comfortably chipping away at a mortgage, dreading your monthly student loan payments, or recovering from a credit card purchase you really couldn’t afford, here are some helpful tips that address and correct unhealthy attitudes surrounding debt:
You can’t solve a problem that you refuse to acknowledge. Ignoring your debt - either passively or actively - can lead to some financially devastating consequences. Allowing the stack of unopened mail on your kitchen counter to grow can lead to a missed payment or late payment fees, which only increases the amount you owe. Refusing to make any changes in your monthly budget is another form of willful blindness. In order to make significant progress on your debt repayment, you need to increase the amount you put toward your loans every month. You can do this either by increasing your income or decreasing your spending. Possibly the most financially destructive form of debt denial is spending even more to maintain the illusion of not being in debt. Going further into debt in order to finance a lifestyle you can’t afford makes you fall further into the debt spiral.
We’re not saying it has to be your go-to icebreaker, but do consider talking about your debt with people you trust - your partner, your family, your close friends. Shame loves secrecy, and though it may feel uncomfortable at first, pushing through the fear of telling others will lessen the mix of guilt and anxiety that often accompanies debt shame. Being open about your financial priorities can also create a stronger accountability and support system. By simply telling others about your debt repayment goals, you no longer have to make those awkward excuses to duck out of meals and activities that are beyond your budget. You may also find that your honesty and your efforts inspire others to be more transparent about their own priorities and/or to make progress toward their financial goals.
A common question about debt repayment is where it falls in the order of financial operations. Is it more important than investing? Should it be paid off before you start saving for retirement? The specific answer will look different for someone paying an auto loan versus someone facing $10,000 of credit card debt, but there is a general rule of thumb that serves most debt profiles: High-interest debt repayment should come first. The reasoning is that high-interest debt (like credit card debt) is expensive. The sooner it’s eliminated, the sooner you’ll have extra funds to put toward savings, investments, and retirement. Low-interest debt (like some mortgages) may be able to coexist with savings and investing contributions.
Although high-interest debt repayment should come before general savings, you need to have an emergency fund in place. Three to six months’ worth of expenses is the prescribed amount, but even a mini-fund of $1,000 will do the trick. It may seem counter-intuitive to save up $1,000 that could otherwise be going toward your loans, but here’s the rationale: when you’re already in debt, there usually isn’t much wiggle room in your budget. This means that all it takes is one emergency expense to force you into taking on more debt and wiping out your repayment progress. Having an emergency fund will decrease the likelihood of having to resort to more debt.
The financial consequences of debt paint only part of the picture. Being in debt can take a toll on our health and our well-being. A 2012 University of Nottingham study found that those who struggle to pay off their debt are more than twice as likely to experience mental health problems like depression and severe anxiety. Debt stress can also carry over into our relationships. Arguments about money are considered one of the top predictors for divorce. And debt can be emotionally overwhelming as a looming source of fear, resentment, frustration, regret, and shame. Debt repayment is more than a simple financial goal - it’s a health and wellness goal as well.
Luckily, the steps to creating your personal debt repayment plan are pretty easy to follow:
That’s it! As you sequentially pay off your debts, you’ll have more money to apply to the next debt on the list. Debt repayment requires action, discipline, and a lot of patience. Having a plan helps track progress and keeps you from getting discouraged. If you need additional assistance in building your repayment plan, reach out to your local credit union for any debt-related resources they may have available for you.